Sit-in protest staged all over
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Thoubal, February 09 2021: Expressing the need for a retrial at a higher Court following the recent acquittal of former ADC Chairman, Lhukhosei Zou who was arrested on the charge of drug smuggling, the All Manipur Women's Social Reformation & Development Samaj (Nupi Samaj) in collaboration with various Ima Lups and local clubs, jointly staged sit-in protests at Wangkhei Ayangpalli, Lilong Haoreibi, Nungoi, Aripat and Sagolband, today. Addressing media persons at the protest staged at Wangkhei Ayangpalli Leima Keithel in Imphal East district by Nongpok Leingak Apunba Nupi Lup (NLANL), Sitara Begum, vice president, AMKIL raised questions against the motive of the Government for not taking the case to a higher Court.

Sit-in protest staged all over

At the Lilong Haoreibi protest jointly organised by NIMPAL Langthabal Branch, Haoreibi Apunba Nupi Lup, HUYO Club and Northern Star Club Haoreibi Awang Leikai, Soraisam Shanti, general secretary NIMPAL, alleged that the State Government's "War on Drugs" initiative has lost its teeth with the recent history of acquittal.

The Thoubal District United Women's Development Organisation (Thoubal Ima) and Aripat Apunba Meira Paibi Lup also staged a sit-in protest at Aripat in Thoubal district.

Addressing the media persons, Moirangthem Sanatombi, general secretary Thoubal Ima, stated that the people of the State want the caser of Lhukhosei Zou to be taken to a higher Court.

Similar protest was staged at Nungoi Awang Leikai, Imphal East district by Nupi Samaj and Nungoi Awang Leikai Meira Paibi, where Thokchom Ramani, president Nupi Samaj alleged that the conviction of the driver and helper instead of Lhukhosei Zou reflects that there is a high possibility of serious lapses during the whole investigation process.

In order to restore the faith of the public in the judiciary, she appealed to the Government to take the case to a higher Court and award befitting punishments to those involved in the drug case.

Voicing the same demands, another protest was staged at Sagolband Nepra Menjor Pukhri Mapal Community Hall, Imphal West district by All Manipur Tammi-Chingmi Apunba Nupi Lup and Sagolband Nepra Menjor Meira Paibi.

Slogans including 'do not demean war on drugs', 'award befitting punishments to drug smugglers' etc were raised at the end of the protest held at various locations.